WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Green Party of the United States hailed the Supreme Court's ruling that states cannot ban same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015), calling it a victory for LGBT rights and equality.

John Anthony La Pietra, Green Party of Michigan candidate who ran against same-sex marriage opponent Attorney General Bill Schuette in 2014:

"As we welcome the Court majority's recognition of the truth of marriage equality, we congratulate and thank the generations of LGBT activists whose years of struggle made this decision possible -- including Michigan's own plaintiffs April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse. Greens nationwide have supported LGBT rights, including marriage equality, long before establishment politicians considered the position safe. Former Mayor Jason West of New Paltz, New York, was the first public official in the country to perform same sex marriages. Michigan Greens were the only party to oppose the same-sex marriage ban when it was on the ballot here in 2004."

"We call the ruling a victory for the principle that human rights must be universal, not subject to states' rights or the approval of majorities or limited by what some religions find acceptable. There is no freedom more basic than the freedom of kinship -- the right to live and love as one sees fit, to be in the kind of family one chooses, and to live as an equal member of society with equal benefits, protections, and responsibilities. Court rulings shouldn't be confused with liberation. But the acceptance of same-sex marriage among so many Americans, including five Supreme Court justices, that occurred during the past decade proves that deep changes in attitude are possible."

Andrea Merida, co-chair of the Green Party:

"The Green Party calls for the next step -- a national law banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, sexual identity, and marital status in employment, housing, and public accommodations. We must also address the bullying that many young LGBTs suffer, the ostracism and violence faced by transgender people who don't have Caitlyn Jenner's bank account, and the daily obstacles, fear, and brutality that poor, immigrant, and incarcerated LGBTs must deal with. We urge the President to regularize the status of same-sex couples with one partner facing deportation or currently in detention, and to institute compassionate asylum status to those gay and transgender people who must leave home to escape violence and find the fullness of life as they choose."

Darryl! L.C. Moch, co-chair of the Green Party:

"Congratulations to the United States of America for the court's decision to allow equality, justice, and love to stand over fear, intolerance, and hatred. Marriage for those who desire it can no longer be denied in our great union. Now if we can make sure that ‪#‎BlackLivesmatter‬ and are equal then we can celebrate."